A historical anime? Eh, could be fun. How Evil are the first two episodes of Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion?

Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion
Studio: NAZ
Genre: Historical, Drama, Action,

In the 13th century, the Mongolian Empire rapidly expands across the globe. Later historians who studied the prophecies of Nostradamus would say that Mongolia was the birthplace of the “Great King of Terror”, Angolmois. And at last, the force of the Mongolian Empire would turn their attention toward Japan… 1274: The Bun’ei Invasion. This story is a fresh look at the great battle that rocked all of medieval Japan: the Mongol Invasion. It shows how the people of Tsushima panicked, struggled, and eventually rose up against the overwhelming forces of their enemy. – Crunchyroll.

So, this description doesn’t do the show justice. Yes that is what the show is about and the Nostradamus is in the second episode of the anime, but the description itself doesn’t capture the feel of the show at all.  The show opens up with a group of condemned criminals being exiled to the Island of Tsushima. We found out later that they were all on death role and should’ve died but, the Mongols are coming and the prisoners still do have a death sentence at least if you ask Princess Teruhi.

Is bad as that sounds it can’t really be helped. Tsushima is going to be the first target of the Mongols so they had little choice for backup. It’s not all bad though, among the criminals is an ex-samurai by the name of Kuchii Jinzaburō. I have no idea what he did to get put on death row but by his own words, he should’ve been killed. Anyway, after Teruhi’s little announcement the Mongols arrive under the cover of night.

In a panic, the guards watching the exiles leave their post to try and figure out what is going on. Now unguarded the exiles do what any good criminals would and escape. Kuchii seems to have other plans. You see he seems to be holding a grudge against the island’s people in general and he decides to ease that grudge by…

Yeah, that. Not exactly what I expected from the protagonist but at least it’s entertaining. Oh, and don’t worry he only burned the prison. The criminals decide to go their separate ways while Teruhi is being carried away by one of the invaders. The Islanders are no match even for this small force. Right when it seems Teruhi’s fate is sealed  Kuchii jumps in to save the day driving off the invaders and saving Teruhi in the process. Teruhi them promises him a reward and the first episode ends.

The second episode begins with Kuchii being summoned to a strategy meeting. I’m not sure but I think this was his reward for saving Teruhi. It’s not normal for a criminal to be invited into a war room meeting so it makes sense to me.  At the meeting Kuchii has the honor of hearing a plan so amazingly stupid that he ends up getting thrown out of the meeting for disrespecting every last person in the room including Teruhi’s father. 

That is the look of a man that knows he did something stupid. To be fair the plan was just dumb and someone needed to say something but Kuchii was so rude and disrespectful that he’s lucky they didn’t just kill him which is something Kuchii brings up afterward. Soon after that mess, Kuchii decides to map out the island using sand and information from the locals which he does surprisingly well.

Well enough to attract a visiting general that knew him when he was a samurai. This is when Kuchii is told that reinforcements will arrive in seven days and that he needs to make sure to hold out until then. Kuchii then escorts the guy back to his boat this is when Teruhi spots him and assumes he plans to leave so she, uh, does this.

The funny thing is Kuchii had already decided to stay before she did this. I’m pretty sure he’s going to use this against her later on. He just seems like he’s that kind of person. Anyway, right after his talk, the Mongols start their invasion and Teruhi’s father leads the charge against them.

Kuchii offers to help but is turned down and given orders to protect Teruhi. Instead of falling back Kuchii decides to watch the battle to see what he will be up against. The Mongols have the number advantage but Teruhi’s people seem to have more skilled warriors so its quality vs quantity. From the start of the battle, things look pretty grim for the Islanders until they send in their mounted units.

The Islanders are able to quickly drive the Mongols back to the shoreline. Then things change drastically one-word Trebuchets. The Mongols bombard the shoreline and slaughter every last one of the islanders that came to fight them. And that is the end of the second episode and that was just part of the first day. I’m pretty sure this will end badly for the main character but he will probably die heroicly.

Overall I’d say these episodes are about as Evil as a Killer Robot Army (8). It’s an entertaining show it’s not as fun as Golden Kamuy but it’s got its own charm. I am curious if this will rival Golden Kamuy towards the end. Only time will tell. If this one doesn’t sound right for you check out my review for Holmes of Kyoto. It’s a mystery show with a touch of romance. Well, that’s all I have for you today. Thanks for letting me waste your time, people.

Angolmois: Record of Mongol Invasion Simulcast on Tuesdays 1:30pm EDT

Keep It Classy,
Evil Bob